The Pittsburgh Steelers still don’t know whether or not quarterback Aaron Rodgers will return next season, but that didn’t stop them from drafting another QB in the 2026 NFL draft.
The Steelers selected former Penn State star Drew Allar in the third round, giving them three QBs — two of which were picked in the last two drafts — on the roster in case Rodgers elects for retirement.
But was the Steelers’ selection of Allar an anticipatory move because the team has an inkling Rodgers is done? Head coach Mike McCarthy recently addressed the role Rodgers’ looming decision played in Allar ending up in Pittsburgh.
“No, not at all,” McCarthy said. “This is about developing the room and trying to make the room as deep as we possibly can.”
If Rodgers returns, he’ll be the unquestioned starter with Rudolph and Howard battling it out for the backup job.
But if Rodgers retires, it’s possible Howard and Allar could battle for the QB1 job in training camp. Howard impressed last season after returning from injury, so one would assume he has a leg up in any competition.
Whatever way the quarterback situation shakes out, McCarthy made it clear he’s confident the team will be fine with any of the three QBs on the roster under center.
“These are all questions, answers, hypotheticals that really, it won’t change what I’ve already said,” McCarthy said. “I will coach the hell out of that room. I have a lot of confidence. I have history and experience that I will give everything I can to any quarterback in that room. We want to grow the quarterback room. We don’t want to just rely on one quarterback.”
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